Colon Cancer Prevention Provides Peace of Mind [Randy Bullis]

My name is Randy Bullis. I'm 65 years old, retired. I live on Lake Poinsett, and I was the previous owner of Bits of Yesterday Antiques in Arlington.

Why are regular colonoscopies important to you?

Well, in my case, they have found five pre-cancerous polyps. They also check your prostate. So it's just a great prevention of cancer.

How was your colonoscopy prep?

It's a very simple preparation, just a matter of taking several pills, drinking a flavored water, and just drinking liquid foods. They give you a list of foods. The main thing is you are not to eat or drink anything that's red in color.

How did the formula taste?

The rumor that you drink a bad formula is not true because, like I stressed, I got to pick my favorite Propel Water. You can also use a Gatorade, and that's what you taste. It is different when I had my first colonoscopy. So they have improved that.

Were you concerned about bowel prep?

No. You go numerous times, but I slept all night without getting up. And there's a period there where you will go several times, and then you can tell that it just completely clears out your system.

What was your impression of Dr. Oey?

She had two surgeries before me, but she still took the time to come in, introduce herself, get to know me, tell me what she was doing. And she was just so cheerful, smiley, and confident that I knew I had nothing to worry about.

How were you treated by the staff?

I was treated very, very well. The two nurses that would be with me took the time to get to know me and tell me exactly what they were going to be doing. And also the anesthetist, he came in, introduced himself, and told me what he was doing. So I was not worried about anything going on.

How did you feel after the colonoscopy?

They fed me a sandwich. I had to stay in the hospital about an hour and a half after surgery before they let me go home. But then you go home and take it easy that day but went to work the next day. I felt 100% normal, and I had no after-effects whatsoever.

What would you tell someone who is avoiding a colonoscopy?

I would tell them it's a must-do. Very, very painless except for the poke of an IV. It's an in-and-out surgery. In my case, it was three hours from the time I went in and I got to go home. And it's peace of mind knowing that you're preventing cancer. I had a daughter that went through ovarian cancer, so I know what cancer is like, what they go through, what a parent goes through. And anything you can do to prevent cancer is a must.

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